RENO- Ruben Gotay smashed his 11th home run of the year, but it was not enough to overcome a six-run first inning by the Albuquerque Isotopes, who toppled the Aces 8-4 Tuesday night at Aces Ballpark.
The Isotopes jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Reno recorded an out in the top of the first and cruised to a series-opening victory. Pacific Coast League home run leader Mitch Jones deposited a 2-0 fastball over the train trench for his third grand slam of the year, and Albuquerque tacked on two more runs in the frame before the Aces came to bat. Gotay's second-inning solo homer gave Reno some life, but it couldn't muster any more offense until then ninth when Cole Gillespie hit a three-run blast. That would be, though, as close as the Aces would get.
Daniel Cabrera (0-1) was tagged with the loss in his Aces debut, allowing all six first-inning runs before being lifted in favor of Reid Mahon, who threw a scoreless second inning. Seth Etherton pitched the final seven innings for Reno, allowing only two runs while striking out seven.
Dwayne Pollok (3-4) started for Albuquerque, throwing six innings of three-hit ball, with his only blemish being the Gotay home run. Two 'Topes relievers preserved the victory for Pollok.
Gotay and Gillespie accounted for all four of Reno's RBIs, with Eric Byrnes and Chris Young both adding a base hit for the Aces.
Game two of this four-game series is set for Wednesday at Aces Ballpark. The Aces will send RHP Hector Ambriz (6-8, 6.07 ERA) to the mound, while the Isotopes counter with LHP Eric Stults (4-2, 4.93 ERA. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. PT.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.